Regional : Improving the Quality of Basic Education in the North Pacific
The proposed Improving Quality of Basic Education in the North Pacific Project will improve quality of basic education in the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Marshall Islands. The project will improve student learning outcomes through a set of comprehensive and sustained initiatives over 6 years. The project will focus on developing the following output areas: (i) Better prepared teachers in primary education; (ii) Strengthened capacity to use assessment to improve learning (iii) Expanded access and usage of bilingual teaching and learning resources and materials (TLRM) for literacy and numeracy; and (iv) Strengthened governance and management of schools, including parent/community engagement.
Project Details
-
Project Officer
Borjegren, Per A.S.
Sectors Group
Request for information -
Country/Economy
Regional -
Sector
- Education
Related Projects
- Project Name
- Improving the Quality of Basic Education in the North Pacific
- Project Number
- 49456-002
- Country / Economy
- Regional
- Micronesia, Federated States of
- Marshall Islands
- Project Status
- Active
- Project Type / Modality of Assistance
- Grant
- Source of Funding / Amount
-
Grant 0535-REG: Improving the Quality of Basic Education in the North Pacific Source Amount Asian Development Fund US$ 6.50 million Grant 0536-REG: Improving the Quality of Basic Education in the North Pacific Source Amount Asian Development Fund US$ 6.50 million Grant 0537-REG: Improving the Quality of Basic Education in the North Pacific Source Amount Government of Australia US$ 1.80 million - Strategic Agendas
- Inclusive economic growth
- Regional integration
- Drivers of Change
- Gender Equity and Mainstreaming
- Governance and capacity development
- Knowledge solutions
- Partnerships
- Sector / Subsector
Education / Pre-primary and primary
- Gender
- Effective gender mainstreaming
- Description
- The proposed Improving Quality of Basic Education in the North Pacific Project will improve quality of basic education in the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Marshall Islands. The project will improve student learning outcomes through a set of comprehensive and sustained initiatives over 6 years. The project will focus on developing the following output areas: (i) Better prepared teachers in primary education; (ii) Strengthened capacity to use assessment to improve learning (iii) Expanded access and usage of bilingual teaching and learning resources and materials (TLRM) for literacy and numeracy; and (iv) Strengthened governance and management of schools, including parent/community engagement.
- Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy
- Basic education outcomes are weak in the Pacific. Primary students are averaging only 30% of the benchmark in reading, and 48% in mathematics, as measured by a 2012 regional literacy and numeracy assessment. Results are particularly poor in the North PacificRepublic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and Palauand directly linked to low teacher quality. In FSM and RMI, 17.5% and 38% of teachers, respectively, are underqualified or without the minimally required 2-year associate degree. The two-year JFPR-funded TA 8066-REG: Quality Primary Education in the North Pacific yielded very encouraging and positive results through an alternative bilingual student assessment tool the EGLA in order to consolidate gains and institutionalize and expand reforms further.
- Impact
Quality of basic education improved in the Republic of Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia.
Project Outcome
- Description of Outcome
Primary education learning outcomes in literacy and numeracy improved
- Progress Toward Outcome
Needs completion of project to assess outcome.
Project implementation units were established and operational in both FSM and RMI.
FSM: Development of frameworks and policies are ongoing despite several activities being halted due to the pandemic. Project Director recruited.
RMI PIU continues to monitor progress in each of the four project outputs constantly. Coordination with all the institutions actively involved in the project is well managed by the Project Director to ensure quality work for each of the project's outputs.
Implementation Progress
- Description of Project Outputs
Teachers in primary education are better prepared
Capacity to use student assessment to improve learning strengthened
Access to and usage of teaching and learning resources and materials for literacy and numeracy expanded
Educational leadership and management of schools, including parent and community engagement strengthened
- Status of Implementation Progress (Outputs, Activities, and Issues)
FSM: National Teacher Quality Standards developed and adopted; Yap and Chuuk developed and adopted for their respective states; Yap and Chuuk have drafted Professional Learning Frameworks; Pohnpei has a PLF draft that can be revisited; Kosrae has a PLF in use.
"NWG for TD reengaged on National Professional
Learning Framework Development, as of May 2022
"NPLF consultations with the NWG underway
"NPLF Outline drafted June 22
"NPLF 1st full draft underway
RMI: A draft NPLF is being finalized. The 'Kanne Lobal' concept, which was developed by the school principals from Cohort 1 of the Graduate Certificate in School Leadership at USP will be included in the final version of the NPLF.
Number of trainings conducted:
PDOE-20
CDOE-4
KDOE-9
YDOE-8
COM-FSM-9
Total: 50
Number of teachers trained on QPF: 996 (648 female)
As of March 2021, a total of 421 PSS teachers and staff (208 male, 213 female) have been trained or exposed to QPF lesson planning and delivery. the IQBE specialists visited schools on Ebeye and Jaluit to conduct more training. The specialists have also delivered assessments in literacy and numeracy fluency on the neighboring islands to better comprehend the areas of intervention for each atoll.
100% of the target achieved.
A total of 112 teachers (26 male/86 female) have participated.
FSM: Draft NSAF being revised.
The following teachers produced evidence of using assessment data to tailor teaching practices:
2019: 11/162 teachers = 68.5%
2020: 49/68 teachers = 72%
2021: 44/66 teachers = 66.2%
2022: 45/68 teachers = 66.2%
RMI: NSAF is being developed. Workshops are being conducted regularly for both IQBE and PSS specialists on formative assessment practices, prior work and ways forward. The certificate in educational assessment is being delivered at the RMI USP campus. The teachers enrolled in the program have to complete all 7 courses.
FSM: A total of 381 teachers (212-55.6% female) have participated in learning on resource use to improve student learning.
RMI: A total of 225 teachers (105 male, 120 female) have participated.
FSM: Singapore Math books received and distributed to the SDOEs. Materials developed under TA-1 are et to be distributed to teachers.
RMI: A total of 25 teachers (10 male/15 female) have access resources via flash drive, online catalogue, or resource center using newly established process. Resource Centre being renovated.
FSM: PDOE Leadership Retreat shared QPF
Total- 59
YDOE- QPF Awareness
Total- 9
CDOE- QPF & Numeracy
Total- 9
KDOE- QPF & Literacy
Total- 15
Comprehensive Total: 118
Number of women principals participating in professional learning (i.e., Principal competency support and to participate in ongoing Principal Leadership activities and community engagement activities)
Comprehensive Total: 31; Female (34%)
RMI: A total of 28 principals (20 male, 8 female) participated in professional learning activities.
RMI: A week-long lesson plan on Marshallese canoes has been developed and will be delivered on Enewetak in September 2022. The QPF integrated lesson plan is being developed in conjunction with local NGO WAM and representatives from the German Organization for International Cooperation.
- Geographical Location
- Marshall Islands - Nation-wide; Micronesia, Federated States of - Nation-wide
Safeguard Categories
- Environment
- C
- Involuntary Resettlement
- C
- Indigenous Peoples
- C
Summary of Environmental and Social Aspects
- Environmental Aspects
- The project is mainly a capacity development project and features no infrastructure components. Therefore, there will be no environmental impacts.
- Involuntary Resettlement
- The project is mainly a capacity development project and features no infrastructure components. Therefore, there will be no involuntary resettlement impacts.
- Indigenous Peoples
- The project is mainly a capacity development project and features no infrastructure components. Therefore, there will be minimal impacts on indigenous peoples. The project promotes vernacular language which positively impacts beneficiaries and learning outcomes.
Stakeholder Communication, Participation, and Consultation
- During Project Design
- Wide stakeholder communication, participation and consultation is taking place amongst government, universities, parents, community, and civil society in planning and preparing the project.
- During Project Implementation
- Wide stakeholder communication, participation and consultation will continue to take place amongst government, universities, parents, community, and civil society in planning and preparing the project. Full achievement of the objectives and output of the project necessitate close collaboration with all stakeholders.
Business Opportunities
- Consulting Services
- Refer to the project administration manual (PAM) for the project's consulting services requirement.
- Procurement
- Refer to the project administration manual (PAM) for details of the project's procurement plan.
Contact
- Responsible ADB Officer
- Borjegren, Per A.S.
- Responsible ADB Department
- Sectors Group
- Responsible ADB Division
- Human and Social Development Sector Office (SG-HSD)
- Executing Agencies
-
Department of Finance and Administration
Ministry of Finance, Banking and Postal Services
Timetable
- Concept Clearance
- 18 Apr 2016
- Fact Finding
- 31 Jan 2017 to 09 Feb 2017
- MRM
- 24 Mar 2017
- Approval
- 03 Jul 2017
- Last Review Mission
- -
- Last PDS Update
- 29 Aug 2022
Funding
Grant 0535-REG
| Approval | Signing Date | Effectivity Date | Closing | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original | Revised | Actual | |||
| 03 Jul 2017 | 07 Jul 2017 | 05 Oct 2017 | 31 Jan 2024 | 31 Jan 2026 | - |
| Total (Amount in US$ million) | |
|---|---|
| Project Cost | 7.50 |
| ADB | 6.50 |
| Counterpart | 1.00 |
| Cofinancing | 0.00 |
| Date | ADB | Others | Net Percentage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cumulative Contract Awards | 30 Aug 2024 | 5.07 | 0.00 | 78% |
| Cumulative Disbursements | 30 Aug 2024 | 3.49 | 0.00 | 54% |
| Category | Sector | Safeguards | Social | Financial | Economic | Others |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | - | Partly satisfactory | Partly satisfactory | Partly satisfactory | - | Partly satisfactory |
Grant 0536-REG
| Approval | Signing Date | Effectivity Date | Closing | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original | Revised | Actual | |||
| 03 Jul 2017 | 07 Jul 2017 | 10 Jul 2017 | 31 Jan 2024 | 31 Jan 2026 | - |
| Total (Amount in US$ million) | |
|---|---|
| Project Cost | 7.50 |
| ADB | 6.50 |
| Counterpart | 1.00 |
| Cofinancing | 0.00 |
| Date | ADB | Others | Net Percentage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cumulative Contract Awards | 30 Aug 2024 | 6.00 | 0.00 | 92% |
| Cumulative Disbursements | 30 Aug 2024 | 4.19 | 0.00 | 64% |
Grant 0537-REG
| Approval | Signing Date | Effectivity Date | Closing | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original | Revised | Actual | |||
| 03 Jul 2017 | 07 Jul 2017 | 05 Oct 2017 | 31 Jan 2024 | 31 Jan 2026 | - |
| Total (Amount in US$ million) | |
|---|---|
| Project Cost | 1.80 |
| ADB | 0.00 |
| Counterpart | 0.00 |
| Cofinancing | 1.80 |
| Date | ADB | Others | Net Percentage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cumulative Contract Awards | 30 Aug 2024 | 0.00 | 1.60 | 89% |
| Cumulative Disbursements | 30 Aug 2024 | 0.00 | 0.90 | 50% |
Project Data Sheets (PDS) contain summary information on the project or program. Because the PDS is a work in progress, some information may not be included in its initial version but will be added as it becomes available. Information about proposed projects is tentative and indicative.
The Access to Information Policy (AIP) recognizes that transparency and accountability are essential to development effectiveness. It establishes the disclosure requirements for documents and information ADB produces or requires to be produced.
The Accountability Mechanism provides a forum where people adversely affected by ADB-assisted projects can voice and seek solutions to their problems and report alleged noncompliance of ADB's operational policies and procedures.
In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of, or reference to, a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.
Safeguard Documents See also: Safeguards
Safeguard documents provided at the time of project/facility approval may also be found in the list of linked documents provided with the Report and Recommendation of the President.
None currently available.
Evaluation Documents See also: Independent Evaluation
None currently available.
Related Publications
None currently available.
The Access to Information Policy (AIP) establishes the disclosure requirements for documents and information ADB produces or requires to be produced in its operations to facilitate stakeholder participation in ADB's decision-making. For more information, refer to the Safeguard Policy Statement, Operations Manual F1, and Operations Manual L3.
Requests for information may also be directed to the InfoUnit.
ADB, FSM, RMI Sign Grant Agreements to Improve Education Quality
ADB and the Governments of the Republic of Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia have signed 3 grant agreements worth $16.8 million to improve the quality of basic education in the two Pacific island countries.
Tenders
Contracts Awarded
| Contract Title | Approval Number | Contract Date | Contractor | Address | Executing Agency | Total Contract Amount (US$) | Contract Amount Financed by ADB (US$) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Project Director (Contract renewal - 27 June 2023 to 26 June 2024) | Grant 0535 | 23 Jun 2023 | Kenneth Hagberg | 23715 Joy St., St. Clair Shores, MI 48082 | Department of Finance and Administration | 272,591.00 | — |
| Project Director (29 June 2022 to 26 June 2023) | Grant 0535 | 29 Jun 2022 | Kenneth Hagberg | 23715 Joy St., St Clair Shores, MI | Department of Finance and Administration | 166,280.51 | — |
| Project Director (29 June 2022 to 26 June 2023) | Grant 0537 | 29 Jun 2022 | Kenneth Hagberg | 23715 Joy St., St Clair Shores, MI | Department of Finance and Administration | 106,310.49 | — |
| PROJECT DIRECTOR | Grant 0535 | 21 Jun 2021 | VISHNU KARKI | 399/15 SACHETAN MARGA BANESHWOR KATHMANDU NEPAL | Department of Finance and Administration | 124,604.70 | — |
| FSM IQBE CONSULTING TEAM TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO FSM DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION | Grant 0535 | 09 Apr 2019 | DEVELOPMENT STRATEGISTS INTL CONSULTING INC | 230 GRAND EMERALD TOWER F ORTIGAS COR. GARNET ROAD ORTIGAS CTRE PHILIPPINES | Department of Finance and Administration | 456,150.68 | — |
| FSM IQBE CONSULTING TEAM TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO FSM DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION | Grant 0537 | 09 Apr 2019 | DEVELOPMENT STRATEGISTS INTL CONSULTING INC. | 230 GRAND EMERALD TOWER F ORTIGAS COR. GARNET ROAD PHILIPPINES | Department of Finance and Administration | 291,637.32 | — |
Procurement Plan
| Title | Document Type | Document Date |
|---|---|---|
| Improving the Quality of Basic Education in the North Pacific: Federated States of Micronesia Procurement Plan | Procurement Plans | Jun 2024 |
| Improving the Quality of Basic Education in the North Pacific: Marshall Islands Procurement Plan | Procurement Plans | Jun 2024 |